My 2003 Durango is making a crazy creaking noise coming from the front suspension. I dont think its the ball joints. Not sure though. Its worse when its cold outside and over bumps. Any suggestions please?

 

From my experience in this area I had/still have 3 things. 1) the lower ball joints were going bad. Had replaced with Moog ball joints. I (think) the uppers had a recall in which case you can do a VIN to check if your vehicle was done. This fixed a lot of knocking and interesting other noises. I checked mine by jacking up one front tire and putting a block down right near the front of tire. Take a tire iron and get some leverage underneath the tire and push up and down and have someone else see if the lower ball joints are loose. I think thats how we did it...my memory is a little hazy sometimes.
2) inner and outer tie rod ends(passenger side) but I dont think this made any noise.
3) The shocks and their bushings still need replacing as I to have a noise going on like you suggest as well. Not looked into when I should replace these , but I know I want to do it soon.

 

Thanks, maybe I shall do that.

 

Most likely it's just the sway bar bushings. Don't jack up the front end, and just remove the sway bar bushings. Start on the outer first then move to the ones on the frame. Take em out and check them for wear, if all is good then just grease them, if deteriorated replace and grease. I use a Teflon grease (I use Reese) like that used for trailer hitches. It helps repel dirt and debris and lubricates a long time. Just lubricate the contact surfaces.

 

Couldnt find any pages to help....any suggestions?

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-bushings.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...front-end.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-on-bumps.html


Mainly just search for "Sway Bar" (include the quotes) using the advanced search located here: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/search.php and search in the Durango 1st Generation section. There is no Do It Yourself instructions with pictures.

 

Actually took a look at it today, looks fairly easy. Thanks.

 

Good heads up on the Reese grease. I've been using Tefgel,just because I get it at the Marina I work in. It's excellent for use in marine equipment for it's resistance to the salt water and air here but it's a killer on price,plus the injector tubes are tiny.Quicksilver 101 is a good all around grease also but expensive too. Is the Reese good to use in a grease gun also?

 

You can use it in one if you wanted, but it's like 5 bucks for a small jar.

 

It could also be your jounce bumper that is supposed to prevent your vehicle from bottoming out. The torsion bars on these start to droop and if you don't adjust them that bumper ends up on the LCA and makes this squeaking noise.